16 Best Day Hikes Near Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage serves as an ideal base for nature lovers, with stunning day hikes accessible within about an hour’s drive. These trails range from easy family-friendly walks to challenging ascents, offering glaciers, lakes, ridges, and panoramic views. Many lie in Chugach State Park (where open fires are banned). Most trailheads require a $5 parking fee (cash or card). Always carry bear spray, check weather, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
1. Eagle & Symphony Lakes
This popular 12-mile round-trip hike features a boulder field crossing and minimal elevation gain, with an optional hill climb for dual-lake views (adds 2 miles).
2. Byron Glacier
An easy ~2-mile round-trip groomed trail leads to glacier views. Adventurous hikers can approach ice caves (at your own risk).
3. Rabbit Lake
Choose the easier 8-mile round-trip from South Anchorage (1,200 ft gain) or the steeper 12-mile option from McHugh Creek (2,500 ft gain).
4. Bird Ridge
A steep 5-mile round-trip climb rewards with sweeping views of Turnagain Arm and Cook Inlet.
5. Reed Lakes
This ~8-mile round-trip in Hatcher Pass gains 1,900 ft, passing waterfalls to alpine lakes (extendable to Bomber Glacier).
6. Portage Pass
An easy 4-mile round-trip through the Whittier Tunnel offers views of Portage Lake and the receding Portage Glacier.
7. The Butte
A short ~3-5 mile round-trip with steep sections provides 360° views of the Knik River Valley (north approach is greener and better maintained).
8. Williwaw Lakes & Little O’Malley Peak
Steep 8-mile round-trip (3,300 ft gain) with scree sections, connectable to other trails from Glen Alps.
9. Twin Peaks (Eklutna Lake)
A moderate climb from Eklutna Lake offers turquoise lake overlooks; branch to Pepper Peak for variety.
10. Thunderbird Falls
Easy 2-mile round-trip to a scenic waterfall (slippery rocks near the falls).
11. Lower Winner Creek
Mellow rainforest trail (~6 miles round-trip) with a famous hand tram across a gorge (tram seasonal; check status).
12-16 Highlights (Other Great Options)
- Blacktail/Baldy — Ridgeline views from Eagle River (4-8 miles).
- Rendezvous Peak — Gentle 3-mile round-trip in Arctic Valley.
- Lazy Mountain — Steep near Palmer (5 miles; connectable to Matanuska Peak).
- Flat Top — Anchorage’s most popular (crowded on weekends) with city bowl views.
- Eagle River Nature Center trails — Varied short to multi-mile options.
These hikes showcase Alaska’s dramatic landscapes. Start early on popular ones, and consider travel insurance for remote areas. Enjoy the trails!